Job Discussion Forums

[chnike112]

I have been searching the forum for a few weeks now and have been running into conflicting information in regards to learning a language while teaching ESL. Some say its a great way others say it is a terrible way. I am looking to learn another language (I would go Euro but apparently jobs are impossible) and experience another culture all while working. I have some experience leading trips and such with high schoolers and liked it so i think i would enjoy teaching english. Anyway, is going ESL a good idea given my goals??

I forgot to mention...I plan on enrolling in a class while over there. Is that easy to do? Will there be time for it? Will it help?

[spiral78]

I agree with the idea that it's difficult to learn a language while teaching English full time - unless you're planning to be in the country several years, at least.

Your first year anywhere is quite challenging all round, and it's kind of the norm that you will socialise primarily in English - how else can you, with just a beginner's competence in a second language?

Locating yourself in a small town with fewer expats helps, but it's still a big challenge and requires a very significant commitment and lots of extra energy.

[chnike112]

I was thinking of enrolling in some classes while over there (whereever that may be) to get some formal training in the language then practicing it with the local populus. Is that feasible?

[spiral78]

Yes, of course - most people do this!

Remember that making friends among the 'local populus' isn't always a given... in many situations, some locals may choose to hang out with an expat for the primary purpose of practicing their English (obviously not a big help with your local language development).

A lot depends where you are thinking of going, and what kinds of students you'll be teaching. When you're teaching adults, of course they have lives and families, and have likely seen many English teachers before - it can take time to develop relationships.

Years ago, in many regions, a native English speaker had some cache and locals were interested...but it's far less true today.

The most common practice for local language skills is everyday transactions in the supermarket and etc. Getting actual experience in conversation takes time and effort.

[Justin Trullinger]

I won't say it's a great way to learn a language, but I wouldn't say it's a terrible way either.

I've done it, so it's possible. In the last years that I've been training newbie teachers in Ecuador, I've seen a lot of other people do it, and probably a similar number come here with the intention yet somehow fail. Here are my thoughts on what makes it more/less likely.

Take classes! "I'll just try to pick it up as I go along" doesn't usually work. You'll move faster with at least some formal study.

Think of this when choosing where to work. If you want to learn the language, a work environment where only English is spoken is going to make it a lot harder. You may think "but it would be so much easier if I didn't have to struggle to make myself understood to the secretary..." Of course, this is true, but if you want to learn the language, you don't want easy. You want struggle.

Think of this when choosing where to live. If you want to learn the language, moving into an apartment with an English speaking colleague in the neighborhood where the foreigners hang out simply isn't going to do it.

Cultivate local friendships.

Join local clubs. Hiking, climbing, biking, music, macrame, bible study, it makes no difference what.

Take an interest in the local culture. Do things the locals do.

Keep a positive attitude.

Take risks.

Don't be shy.

Stay long enough. Sounds silly, but I've seen people who claim their goal is to become "fluent," but only plan on a six month stay. Reasonable goals count here, and nobody learns ANYTHING to a high level in six months.



Really, while teaching EFL isn't an easy time to learn a language, because learning languages is NEVER easy. But if you want to, and work at it consistently over a substantial period of time, there's no reason it needs to be any harder for an EFL teacher than anyone else. In some ways easier, because ideally at least, we know how.


Best,
Justin

[spiral78]

Stay long enough.

I am essentially agreeing with Justin - if you're committed to the language and country for a period of time long enough to do it, then, yes, it can definitely be done.

Imagining that you're going to do it in, say, a year, isn't feasible - not while teaching too...

[Justin Trullinger]

It does depend a lot on what your goals are, though. My Italian got functional and conversational in less than a year, though, as I didn't stay past the first year, I never got to the point of really speaking well.

Same with my partner's Spanish. In a year, she could speak when we were out socially, and understand what was going on, though the nuances of grammar were a little lost. In two years, she was speaking at a very high level.

A lot of this is individual, though. A year might be enough if you REALLY want it. But it's a big effort. Two might be more reasonable, but it still depends on effort.

I know people who have done very well with a language in only a year or two.

I know people who have resided in a country for many years without ever getting comfortable with the language.

You sort of get to choose which you'll be, but you're responsible for whichever way you turn out.


Best,
Justin

[spiral78]

It's obviously going to depend to some degree on what language, as well.

From English to Spanish is a very different journey than, say English to Mandarin...or Russian...or Finnish

[Kootvela]

Lithuanian is considered to be one of the most difficult languages to learn but those foreigners who have Lithuanian girlfriends learn it really quickly and really well. Perhaps there's a direct connection somewhere.

[Justin Trullinger]

The language clearly does matter to some extent. The Italians I know around here have certainly taken to Spanish a lot faster than the majority of the English speakers.

Seems, though, that the Swiss are even faster still, though the native Swiss German of the ones I know is no closer to Spanish than English is- I wonder if simply having the habit of language learning makes the biggest difference?

Motivation makes a difference too! And I'm sure Lithuanian girlfriends can be motivational.

Provided that the ladies in question don't speak English too well, of course...


BEst,
Justin

[spiral78]

I think the research in our field shows pretty clearly that, when language learning becomes an essential part of one's life early on, it's far easier to continue learning more languages later.

I totally envy the kids I know here in the Netherlands who already have functional command of 3 or 4 languages by the age of 10

Also, in Switzerland, Italian is one of the major languages - even if the Swiss students you know don't speak it, they've certainly heard it very often over their years!

Growing up in the States was kind of a major drawback in terms of linguistic ability, for me at least. One thing I regret - but couldn't control, unfortunately:)

[chnike112]

Yeah I have my sights set on South Korea so I know it's not going to be as easy as learning spanish (which I studied in school...though its pretty rusty due to only using it at Wendys and Chipotle). Im having real trouble finding a class or something like that in Columbus, Ohio (Ohio State is too expensive and will coincide w/ CELTA) so I'm stuck with books and independent learning. anyone got any tips as far as learning a language BEFORE one heads off to their target country?

[naturegirl321]

ONce you've got the basics down, try www.conversationexchange.com

[chnike112]

thanks naturegirl I really appreciate the link!

[cstevens]

I teach full time (when school is on) and I've learned the language relatively easily.

Of course, I spend all day talking to the other teachers in their own language when I am not in class. I also make an effort to go out every day and talk to people in the bazar or visit people for dinner, etc.

You can do it if you don't sit in your house all night every night.

Also, take a class, it helps a lot, but only if you take the initiative and practice.

Good luck